January 16, 2019 - On December 29, 2018, a 25-year old dredge operator, with 21 weeks of experience, was fatally injured at a coal mine. The victim drowned when the dredge he was operating sank.

Best Practices

• Task train all persons to recognize all potential hazardous conditions and ensure they understand safe job procedures for elimination of the hazards before beginning work.

• Examine work areas and equipment during the shift for hazards that may be created as a result of the work being performed.

• Conduct a risk analysis before starting non-routine tasks to ensure that all hazards are evaluated and eliminated.

• Establish procedures requiring persons to alert coworkers when they are in danger.

Additional Information

This is the 11th Coal fatality reported in calendar year 2018. As of this date in 2017, there were 15 Coal fatalities reported. This is the 3rd Machinery Coal fatality in 2018. There were 3 Machinery Coal fatalities during the same period in 2017.